Wednesday, September 10, 2008

great grandpa william john

My Aunt Marilyn has been doing some family research for the Schwartz clan at large and struck some gold this week. She located a significant amount of information about our family and it's roots in Prussia and subsequent immigration to Des Moines, Iowa.

My great-grandpa William John Schwartz (my name is John William), is pictured below. He was a minister in the Lutheran church. Quite amazing to be able to look back into the past and see your own flesh-and-blood for the first time.



I can't help but think about the impact of the Gospel in our family tree that starts with William John and before him most likely. Much of our family follows Christ and impacting the world in many places. I'm grateful to God both for the privilege of being born into a family where Christ was made known and to live in a land where we have the freedom to worship Him.